SORT-TO-GRADE OPTICAL SORTERS
Key Technology introduced Sort-to-Grade for all belt-driven G6 optical sorters. This patented, advanced software-driven intelligence enables sorters to grade by count, accepting or rejecting each defective piece to control the quality of output to a defined grade, as defined by the processor. The customer simply sets the sorter to achieve the desired target grade and sets the desired sample size. The software then controls the mass flow of product by making logical piece-by-piece decisions to determine which are passed and which are rejected. If a product piece contains an allowable defect, the sorter adds it to the product flow by allowing it to pass. If a piece would result in product out of grade, it is rejected.
Key Technology
509-529-2161
www.key.net
VISION INSPECTION SYSTEM FOR ROUND, UN-ORIENTED PRODUCTS
The Mettler Toledo CI-Vision Mosaic vision inspection system employs six cameras to inspect labels on round containers––bottles, jars, cans and tubes––without the need to orient them on the production line. Using advanced inspection technology, the system automatically verifies that the label is complete, correctly applied and matches the product inside the package. In addition, it adjusts to varying product positions and packaging materials, producing fewer false rejects and increased line uptime. Mosaic installs over existing conveyor lines, eliminating line reconfiguration. It features an intuitive touch-screen interface running CI-Vision’s CIVCore software. Multi-level user controls and anti-circumvention technology ensure security. The multi-camera system inspects un-oriented product at up to 1,000 ppm, and verifies printed codes, including date/lot/product codes, barcodes and 2D matrix codes.
Mettler Toledo CI-Vision, subsidiary of Mettler-Toledo Inc.
630-446-7700
www.mt.com/ci-vision
IN-LINE FAT ANALYSIS, PRODUCT INSPECTION TECHNOLOGY
Eagle Product Inspection released FA3, an in-line fat, moisture and protein analysis system for fresh or frozen meat products. FA3 simultaneously offers contaminant detection and weight measurement, thus speeding up throughput rates for manufacturers looking to optimize productivity. Incorporating Eagle’s SimulTask image analysis software, the FA3 provides peerless measurement of chemical lean over varying meat thicknesses. Plus, its UPSHOT Compact X-Ray Imaging Geometry allows for scanning of the meat from the base with detectors located above the belt. This offers closer placement of the x-ray source to the product to enhance detection sensitivity for foreign bodies such as bone, wire and other metal fragments, glass, stone, rubber and plastics. And, its sanitary design can withstand even the harshest of washdown regimes.
Eagle Product Inspection
877-379-1670
www.eaglepi.com
HIGH-DEFINITION X-RAY INSPECTION SYSTEM
The Anritsu high-definition x-ray inspection system detects metal contaminants as small as 0.7 mm diameter and 1-2 mm diameter glass and stones and can detect down to 0.4 mm diameter of ferrous, non-ferrous and stainless-steel sphere at production line speeds. DualX x-ray inspection technology simultaneously analyzes two different x-ray energy signals, allowing it to distinguish between product and contaminant. This x-ray solution is ideal for detecting low-density poultry bones, including fan, scapula and pulley bones in filets and also offers improved bone detection in beef and pork cuts.
Anritsu Industrial Solutions USA
866-200-5276
www.detectionperfection.com
IN-SHELL PISTACHIO SORTER
Multiscan Technologies released the S60SP in-shell pistachio sorter, which sorts nuts by color, defects, size and open/closed shell. This highly versatile sorting machine comes equipped with three exits and produces throughput of up 1.5 million fruits per hour. The vision system is composed of a high-resolution digital camera and long-life strobe lights. Other features include self-regulation of speed to accommodate product quality, built-in stainless-steel and polymeric materials adequate for food handling, simple electronics in sealed air conditioned cabinet, remote servicing and user-friendly software and touchscreen.
Multiscan Technologies USA, LLC
541-645-0491
www.multiscan.us
DUAL ENERGY X-RAY FOR OVERLAPPING PRODUCT INSPECTION
Heat and Control’s new Ishida IX-G2 X-ray inspection system uses a unique dual energy process that compares absorption of x-rays on two levels, thus improving the detection of low-density objects in overlapped products. It also detects thin pieces of metal, glass, rubber, hard bones and other foreign objects in products with uneven surfaces, like certain frozen foods. The IX-G2 includes functions for weight verification and detection of missing items, incomplete filling, product defects, incorrect alignment or products trapped in package seals.
Heat and Control
800-227-5980
www.heatandcontrol.com
100% REAL-TIME INSPECTION SYSTEM
Apple Converting introduced the Shark 4000 100%, a state-of-the-art inspection system that continuously inspects material and identifies both random and repeating print and process defects at high speeds for the dairy and confectionery sectors. Manufactured and installed by BST eltomat, the Shark 4000 detects mis-registration, color variation, missing print, hickeys, scratches, creases and more.
Apple Converting, Inc.
607-432-6500
www.appleconverting.com
3D MACHINE VISION CAMERA
IDS Imaging Development Systems extended its Ensenso N10 compact stereo 3D camera portfolio with 24 new versions featuring focal lengths from 3.6-16 mm to cover more distances and sizes. Free software supplied makes it easy to integrate Ensenso cameras into virtually any application program. These new cameras are compact, synchronized systems that provide metric 3D data “out of the box” with no additional calibration required. They come equipped with two global shutter CMOS sensors and an integrated projector that casts a random pattern of dots onto the object being captured, allowing the capture of untextured surfaces. Ensenso cameras can capture stationary and live images of moving objects.
IDS Imaging Development Systems
781-787-0048
www.ids-imaging.com
VISION SYSTEM WITH INTEGRATED TOUCHSCREEN
Teledyne DALSA developed the GEVA-312T, a stand-alone system with a built-in, 12-inch touch-screen display that delivers flexibility and easy migration with multiple GigE ports. The GEVA-312T comes complete with a 1.6GHz dual core processor and two Gigabit Ethernet camera ports for camera and network interfacing. Applications using one or two cameras can connect directly to the camera/LAN ports on the unit. Additional cameras can be accommodated using standard Gigabit Ethernet switches. The slim-line form factor maximizes control panel real estate for PLCs, motions controllers and non-vision-related components.
Teledyne DALSA
978-670-2000
www.teledynedalsa.com
FREE-FALL SORTER FOR IQF MARKET
TOMRA Sorting released its Blizzard free-fall sorter for the individually quick-frozen (IQF) vegetable and fruit processing market. The Blizzard detects and removes unwanted discolorations, foreign materials and misshapen produce from the product stream. Equipped with pulsed LED technology and multiple infrared wavelengths, the Blizzard offers a small footprint, can comfortably replace older generation systems and easily fits in to existing processing lines, just after the IQF tunnels or prior to packing. The Blizzard delivers stable detection and handles both mono and mixed color produce, including ready-to-eat meals. This sorting machine eliminates flat surfaces and integrates open easy-to-clean legs and hygienic door locks. Plus, a high-frequency electromagnetic shaker minimizes vibration, making the system ultra-compact.
TOMRA Sorting Food AMERICAS
916-388-3900
www.tomra.com/food
